Abu Dhabi, November 24, 2023 – The stage is set at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit as Formula One teams, including Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren, gear up for the only twilight race in the F1 calendar.
This year, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is under new management with Ethara, a dynamic entity formed by the merging of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) and Flash Entertainment.
Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, expressed anticipation for a different Grand Prix experience under their management.
Al Noaimi highlighted the fierce competition and wheel-to-wheel racing that has defined this season, promising fans another thrilling race weekend.
“The 20 best drivers in the world are in Abu Dhabi with the aim of finishing as far ahead of the competition as possible,” Al Noaimi stated.
Despite Max Verstappen securing the championship, Al Noaimi emphasized that the Red Bull driver, known for his relentless pursuit of excellence, continues to push for the fastest lap and widen the gap to his competitors.
Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, secured the second position, closely followed by Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.
However, the battle for fourth place is intense, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso tied at 200 points, trailed closely by McLaren’s Lando Norris (195) and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (188).
Al Noaimi acknowledged the diversity on the podium throughout the season, citing Aston Martin’s early success and the ongoing competition between Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes.
He emphasized that the season’s second-place and the constructors’ championship would be decided in Abu Dhabi, offering a significant financial incentive for the competing teams.
In the constructors’ championship, Mercedes holds a four-point advantage over Ferrari, while McLaren maintains an 11-point gap with Aston Martin for the fourth position.
To meet the unprecedented demand, Ethara added 5,000 additional seats for the season finale. Al Noaimi noted that products, including grandstands and general admission, sold out within weeks of going on sale.
The circuit enhancements, such as the North Straight and West Straight grandstands, promise spectacular views of the track. Additionally, there are 15 branded hospitality offerings featuring high-end restaurants and renowned brands.
Last year’s Grand Prix drew 140,000 visitors, with 70% from outside the UAE. Notably, 80% of these international attendees spent four nights or more in the country.
Al Noaimi anticipates even higher attendance this year, emphasizing how the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has evolved into a global destination over its 14-year history.
As the engines roar to life at the Yas Marina Circuit, all eyes are on Ethara to deliver a Grand Prix finale that lives up to the legacy of this iconic racing event.
The merging of ADMM and Flash Entertainment signals a new era for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, promising fans and visitors an experience beyond the checkered flag.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members